Why is my ear blocked in one ear?
Temporary blockage: this is often caused by things like earwax buildup, pressure changes (like flying or diving), or a cold. Temporary blockages usually go away on their own or with simple treatments like swallowing or using ear drops. The appropriate treatment for earwax depends on the severity of the blockage. Ear drops, professional removal by an audiologist, or, in some cases, microsuction may be recommended.If you experience these symptoms with clogged ears including hearing loss, fever, swelling, congestion, or ear pain, or if the symptoms persist for more than two weeks, it’s advisable to book a visit with an ENT doctor.Persistent blockage: if the feeling lasts a long time, or if you have pain, drainage, or hearing loss, it may be a more serious problem, like an ear infection. In this case, it’s important to see a healthcare professional.A few days is usually enough time for your body to get rid of any blockage. But the general rule of thumb is that if things persist for more than a week or so, it may be a wise idea to come in for a consultation. That sensation of feeling like your ears are blocked can also be an indication of hearing loss.
Will a blocked ear go away by itself?
Earwax blockage that has no symptoms can sometimes clear on its own. But if you have signs and symptoms of earwax blockage, talk to your healthcare professional. Signs and symptoms may signal another condition. A blocked ear might not cause you much pain, but it can be annoying it affects your hearing. Depending on what’s caused the blockage, it may sort itself out on its own. But for things like earwax, you might need to see a hearing expert.Typically, clogged ears will ease up within a few days. Symptoms may last a little longer if you have a head cold, COVID infection, or allergies. But, if clogged ears continue beyond a few days, it may be time to see a healthcare professional about your treatment options.Earwax blockage treatments include drops to soften the wax or manual removal at your healthcare provider’s office.See a nurse at your GP surgery if: you have symptoms of earwax build-up which have not cleared after 5 days.Your ear canals can become blocked with a buildup of fluid (ear infection), earwax, dirt or other foreign materials. A blockage can change the pressure in your ear, causing tinnitus. Head or neck injuries. Head or neck trauma can affect the inner ear, hearing nerves or brain function linked to hearing.
How do I open my blocked ear?
If your ears are plugged, try swallowing, yawning or chewing sugar-free gum to open your eustachian tubes. If this doesn’t work, take a deep breath and try to blow out of your nose gently while pinching your nostrils closed and keeping your mouth shut. A 5-10 minute warm shower lets gentle steam loosen wax. Face the blocked ear upward for a minute, then tilt it downward so softened wax can slide out. Chew gum, yawn repeatedly or perform the Valsalva manoeuvre (pinch nose, close mouth, blow gently).The eustachian tube is a connection between the middle ear and the back of the nose and upper throat. Swallowing or yawning opens the eustachian tube and allows air to flow into or out of the middle ear. This helps equalize pressure on either side of the ear drum.Other safe techniques include yawning or chewing gum, applying a warm compress against the ear and making gentle jaw movements. These methods can help relieve pressure and promote the natural clearing of the ears.
Are there home remedies for ear blockage?
If your doctor recommends that you try to remove earwax at home: Soften and loosen the earwax with warm mineral oil. You also can try hydrogen peroxide mixed with an equal amount of room temperature water. Place 2 drops of the fluid, warmed to body temperature, in the ear two times a day for up to 5 days. You can use ear drops, available over the counter, to clean your ears. Look for water-based ear drops with ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide, acetic acid, docusate sodium, or sodium bicarbonate. You can also consider oil-based ear drops for earwax removal.Inserting cotton swabs or other objects into your ears can push earwax deeper into the ear canal, potentially causing impaction, eardrum damage, or infection. Tip: To clean the outer part of your ears, use a soft washcloth or tissue to gently wipe around the entrance of your ear canal.In many cases, your GP will not directly remove your earwax or clean your ears, as mentioned above practices no longer provide routine ear wax removal. However, your GP or practice nurse can assess your ear health, and offer advice on where to access private earwax removal, or methods for at home earwax removal.
How do doctors unblock ears?
Not all GP surgeries remove earwax build-up. Some can: flush the wax out with water (electronic ear irrigation) suck the wax out (microsuction) Gently holding and moving the earlobe up and down slowly may help drain fluid from the middle ear at home, but if the fluid is thick, sticky, or blood-stained, it’s recommended to visit an ENT specialist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.A visit to the ENT surgeon allows the debris and infected material in the ear canal to be thoroughly cleaned. This aids the delivery of the topical ear drops and speeds up the treatment of the infection. This toilet or cleaning of the ear canal may have to be performed regularly in the first few weeks.